[dropcap]L[/dropcap]egrand North and Central America, a leading provider of lighting controls, electrical components, and data center solutions, was nominated and selected by the USGBC’s Center for Green Schools and the Green School’s National Network as the winner of the Business Leader Category in the Best of Green Schools awards. The announcement was made at the annual Green Schools Conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado on May 4.
This year, the Best of Green Schools Awards recognized 11 individuals, institutions, and projects that represent the best environmental efforts in schools across the country and highlight the national leaders and innovators in school sustainability. As the recipient in the Business Leader category, Legrand was recognized for its Better Communities-Better Schools program that launched in 2017.
Legrand’s Better Schools projects are centered on the three pillars of a green school: to ensure all students have the opportunity to attend schools that sustain the world they live in, enhance their health and well-being, and prepare them for 21st-century careers.
By partnering with local schools near Legrand offices, employees are building partnerships and executing on Green Apple Day of Service (GADOS) projects through volunteerism, fundraising, and Legrand product donations. To date, Legrand has developed 10 school partnerships and registered seven GADOS with the Center for Green Schools. In the first year, Legrand employees worked on projects including constructing a community garden and solar-paneled garden shed, implementing a three-stream recycling program, and installing energy-saving electrical devices.
“We are excited to recognize a group of honorees who represent the breadth and depth of sustainability, education, and leadership,” states Anisa Heming, Director, Center for Green Schools, USGBC. “The hard work being done by this year’s recipients is nothing short of inspiring and a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together around our schools.”
“We are honored to receive this award in recognition for our work with the Better Communities-Better Schools program,” says Susan Rochford, VP, Energy Efficiency, Sustainability and Public Policy, Legrand North and Central America. “We have been committed to empowering our employees to reach out and connect with their communities and local schools to make a meaningful difference. We hope this program can also serve as a model for other organizations that may seek to promote sustainability within their school district.”
Legrand’s Better Communities program launched in 2014 with an initial focus on volunteerism with organizations that seek to provide or improve housing for those in need. Since then, the program has expanded its focus to include green schools and disaster relief, as well as extending charitable contributions and product donations to qualified organizations.
